10 Mouthwatering Summer Chicken Pasta Salad Recipes to Sizzle Up Your Season

Summer is the perfect season to enjoy refreshing and light meals, and what better way to do so than with a variety of chicken pasta salads? These dishes are not only easy to prepare but also delightfully satisfying, making them ideal for any occasion, from a simple family meal to potluck parties. Each recipe brings its unique twist to the table, offering flavors that promise to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s a roundup of 10 mouthwatering summer chicken pasta salad recipes that are sure to be a hit!

Classic Summer Chicken Pasta Salad

This Classic Summer Chicken Pasta Salad is a staple at any gathering. Featuring a colorful medley of grilled chicken, tri-color rotini, cherry tomatoes, and cucumbers, it’s dressed lightly with olive oil and a hint of lemon zest, creating a refreshing taste that screams summer. Perfect for those who love time-honored flavors, this salad serves as a great starter recipe for those new to making chicken pasta salad recipes. It’s a cold pasta salad recipe that’s as delicious as it is vibrant, ideal for a hot day.

Leanna’s Signature Summer Chicken Pasta Salad

Dive into Leanna’s Signature Summer Chicken Pasta Salad from the popular blog Life by Leanna, which combines bowtie pasta with peppery arugula, sun-dried tomatoes, and a rich homemade balsamic vinaigrette. This dish balances sweet and tangy flavors, making it a sophisticated addition to any summer menu. It’s a testament to how a simple chicken pasta salad can be transformed into a gourmet dish that’s both nourishing and indulgent.

Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta Toss

Explore the robust flavors of the Mediterranean with this Mediterranean Chicken and Pasta Toss. It’s loaded with whole wheat pasta, kalamata olives, feta cheese, and chunks of rotisserie chicken, all tossed in a light Greek dressing. This pasta salad with chicken is healthy and hearty, offering a satisfying crunch and a fusion of flavors that are both bold and refreshing.

Zesty Lime and Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad

For a tropical twist, try the Zesty Lime and Avocado Chicken Pasta Salad. This recipe features creamy avocado slices, zesty lime juice, and tender grilled chicken strips mixed with penne pasta. The avocado adds a rich, creamy texture, making it a luxurious yet refreshing dish that’s perfect for a summer BBQ or a family dinner. It’s an easy pasta salad recipe that’s as eye-catching as it is delicious.

Berry Delight Chicken Pasta Salad

Sweet meets savory in this delightful Berry Delight Chicken Pasta Salad, where farfalle pasta is tossed with a variety of fresh berries, tender spinach, and a sweet honey mustard dressing. This summer pasta salad is a colorful dish that’s perfect for those who enjoy a fruity twist in their meals. The berries add a burst of freshness that lightens the hearty pasta and chicken, making it a hit at any summer potluck.

BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Bring some smoky flavors to your pasta salad with this BBQ Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad. It combines fusilli pasta with chunks of BBQ chicken, crispy bacon, and a creamy ranch dressing. This robust dish captures the essence of a summer cookout and is a crowd-pleaser with its bold flavors and satisfying textures. It’s a best chicken pasta salad recipe for those who love a hearty dish with a flavorful punch.

Asian-Inspired Cold Chicken Pasta Salad

Venture into Eastern flavors with the Asian-Inspired Cold Chicken Pasta Salad. This dish features soba noodles, shredded chicken, crisp vegetables, and a tangy sesame oil dressing. It’s light yet flavorful, perfect for those looking for a healthy chicken pasta salad that doesn’t skimp on taste. This salad is ideal for a quick lunch that refreshes and satisfies.

Herbed Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad

Reinvent a classic with the Herbed Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad. This salad mixes penne pasta with crisp Romaine lettuce, creamy Caesar dressing, and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese. It’s a Caesar pasta with a twist, combining the beloved flavors of Caesar salad with the hearty addition of chicken and pasta, making it a substantial yet easy-to-make dish for any summer occasion.

Tropical Chicken and Macaroni Salad

Experience the flavors of the tropics with Tropical Chicken and Macaroni Salad. This salad is a blend of macaroni, grilled chicken, pineapple, and bell peppers, all tossed in a creamy coconut dressing. It’s a unique summer pasta salad recipe that’s sure to stand out with its sweet and savory profile, perfect for those who enjoy exotic flavors.

Greek Yogurt Peppercorn Pasta Salad

The Greek Yogurt Peppercorn Pasta Salad offers a healthy take on traditional pasta salads. Made with shell pasta, diced chicken breast, and a tangy Greek yogurt dressing speckled with cracked peppercorns, this salad is creamy and packed with flavor, yet light enough to be a part of your Herbalife diet or any balanced eating plan.

Ingredients

• 1 cup shell pasta
• 1 cup cooked, diced chicken breast
• 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon cracked black peppercorns
• 1/2 cup diced cucumber
• 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
• Salt to taste

Recipe Details

Cuisine

• Type: Salad
• Cuisine: Mediterranean-inspired
• Dietary Considerations: High protein, low fat

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 25 minutes

Nutrition Per Serving

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: Approximately 200 kcal
• Protein: 14 grams
• Fat: 5 grams
• Carbohydrates: 20 grams

Instructions

Cook the Pasta

1. Boil the Pasta:
   • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil.
   • Add the shell pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
   • Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Dressing

2. Mix the Dressing:
   • In a small bowl, combine Greek yogurt with cracked black peppercorns. Stir thoroughly to blend the peppercorns evenly.
   • Add salt to taste.

Combine the Ingredients

3. Mix Salad Ingredients:
   • In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, diced chicken breast, diced cucumber, chopped red onion, and fresh parsley.
   • Pour the Greek yogurt dressing over the pasta mixture.
   • Toss everything together until well coated with the dressing.

Chill and Serve

4. Refrigerate Before Serving:
   • Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
   • Serve chilled, garnished with additional parsley if desired.

This Greek Yogurt Peppercorn Pasta Salad is perfect for a summer lunch or as a side dish at your next potluck. It’s easy to prepare, packed with protein, and sure to be a hit with its creamy texture and peppery punch! Enjoy a bowl of this healthy and hearty Greek salad as a fulfilling meal.

Wrapping Up

Each of these chicken pasta salad recipes brings something special to the table, making them perfect for enjoying the bright, warm days of summer. Whether you’re looking for something classic, adventurous, or simply delicious, these salads are sure to satisfy. So, whip up one of these easy pasta salad recipes, and let the flavors of summer dance on your palate!